Excess body weight

What does "Excess body weight" mean in a report or doctor's letter? In our medical dictionary, you will find a patient-friendly explanation of the meaning of this medical term.

Explanation

Excess body weight refers to carrying extra pounds beyond what is considered healthy for a person's height. This is often determined by a measure called Body Mass Index (BMI), which takes into account both weight and height. Having excess body weight can mean a person is overweight or obese. It's important to note that this term doesn't necessarily reflect the amount of body fat a person has, as muscle weighs more than fat.

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